Arctic blast expected to bring snow, wind and cold to Tri-Cities region

A winter storm watch has been issued for most of Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties for Friday through noon Saturday as Arctic air brings wind, much colder temperatures and snow to the Mid-Columbia region.

The Tri-Cities could see 1 to 2 inches of snow accumulate, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Other areas, including the east slope of the Cascade Mountains could see blizzard conditions with whiteouts as wind blows and drifts snow.

An 80 percent chance of show is forecast after 11 p.m. Friday, with the elevation at which precipitation falls as snow dropping to 400 feet. Most of the Tri-Cities is at 400 feet, with some areas higher.

The chance of snow Saturday morning from dawn to 11 a.m. will drop to 30 percent.

Wind gusts of up to 26 mph overnight and 38 mph Saturday could blow wind into drifts and make temperatures feel even colder.

High temperatures were forecast in the mid to low 50s Friday in the Tri-Cities, but highs could drop to 37 degrees Saturday and Sunday, according to the weather service.

Lows are forecast to drop into the 20s, starting Friday night and be about 22 on Saturday and Sunday night.

Highs are not expected to climb back into the 50s until Wednesday in the Tri-Cities, with lows in the 20s early in the work week.

Low temperatures could harm sensitive plants and newborn livestock, according to the weather service.

Travelers to the Seattle area can expect snow on Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass on Friday.

The forecast calls for 3 to 5 inches Friday and 1 to 3 inches Friday night. Less than a half inch of snow is expected Saturday.

White Pass could have 8 to 12 new inches of snow, according to the weather service.

This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 10:34 AM.